Sunday, May 10, 2009

Just wanted to let you know that we haven’t heard anything yet. I don’t believe that we will hear anything until June 2nd when Chris goes in to have a Port placed inside his body which will require him to have same-day surgery. This will allow Chris to go in every Tuesday for six months to receive his chemo treatment. They will put “poison” inside of him that will cycle through his body for 48 hours after that Chris will pull out the tube (the port stays in for the full six months, its like a pump). We have never done it this way before. 12 years ago with colon cancer treatment Chris would sit in a chair hooked up to an IV for two hours, once a week and then go home. So, as we experience it we will let you know more right now we are just going on how Dr. Whizenant described it to us. We leave next Monday for Disney World I spoke with Dr. Ott’s secretary to ask her for a letter to take to Disney World just in case Chris becomes exhausted or sick (two weeks is a long time) right now he is eating food but it just comes right back out the other end – the pancreatic enzymes and flagellant (medicine that they gave Chris to fight off the bacteria that is in his stomach from having to many antibiotics in the hospital – happens to a lot of people) don’t seem to be working so he needs to use the restroom a lot (Dr. Whizenant said that this is how it could be forever and that it could become worse with chemo treatment) so I am worried about standing in long lines and him having to use the restroom. I’m selfish “Don’t leave me in line with five children!!!” Dr. Ott wrote a “beautiful” letter describing what Chris has been through. I cried, he’s been through a lot. I’m going to make a copy and keep it in the scrapbook that I have made of all the cards, emails, comments etc. that have been sent to us (thanks, my children and I will enjoy reading them forever). I am excited to go to Disney World but make myself sick when I think of coming home. Coming home from vacation is really hard on me I enjoy just being with my family not thinking about bills, homework etc. We get back June 1 and life immediately starts June 2nd with Chris getting his Port, school, and lotssss of PTA stuff (yearbook, field day, 9th grade dance, closing out the books for the new president, and on and on, the end of the school year is always crazy). Oh, and COOKING! (We will be eating out for two weeks- I will have forgotten how to cook) I am praying that two weeks goes slowly, but I know it won’t. My new motto is “Life is tough, but I’m tougher.” We love you all, and I promise to write if we hear anything. Love, Ricki

7 comments:

Sorensen's said...

Ricki, Happy Mother's Day!

Anonymous said...

Good to hear from you guys!
You guys have a great and save trip,

Nihan & Chuck

Anonymous said...

I have heard that at Disneyland you can get a FastPass for disabled children, where you don't have to stand in the long lines. Maybe they have that at Disney World and you can use that for Chris. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

mbeck said...

Great to hear from you--we hope you have a great vacation! Our daughter Cassi and our daughter Jenn and her family all live in Florida and we've been to Disneyworld a few times. They do have Fast Pass and I'm sure they will work with you--maybe something even better than Fast Pass. Have lots of fun!! Our prayers are with you every day!!!
Mary Ann and David Beck

Aunt Wanda Wach said...

Maybe you could push Chris in a wheelchair--or get an electric one-- and then he could get to the front of the line quicker, etc. That would be honest as he truly does have some disablities at this time. I hope all goes well for you at Disneyworld and that it truly will be a "Happy" time for all of you. Check your e-mail as I am writing something to you there, too. xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Have fun on your trip! You remain in our prayers.

Ryan & Kathryn Ockey and family

Anonymous said...

Hope you guys have a great family vacation and that you can suspend reality for a little while. You could all use a break both physically and emotionally. Much love to you all!
Marla and the boys.